Debris flows threaten middle fork Nooksack trails

The U.S. Forest Service is asking hikers to stay away from the Ridley Creek and Elbow Lake Trails due to dangers from debris and mud flows. Signs are posted at the trailheads. Both trails are on the southwest side of Mount Baker.

The danger is caused by a landslide May 31 on the southwest side of Mount Baker. A second flow headed down on June 6.

Debris flows are scary; you don't want to mess around with them, so you'd be wise to follow the Forest Service warnings.

If you'd like to read more, check out the Mount Baker Volcano Research Center blogs here and here. If you're a bit of science geek, you'll love this.

These two YouTube videos are also fascinating. The first is from June 5 and the second is from June 9. The videos are narrated and annotated, so you can see the massive power of these flows. The size of the boulders they tossed around is incredible.

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